Railroad-switch stand.



G. A. ALBEN.

RAILROAD swrroa STAND.

APPLICATION FILED APR.29, 1913.

Patented June 9, 1914.`

G. A. ALBEN. RAILROAD SWITCH STAND. APPLICATION FILED APB..29, 1913.

Patented June 9,1914.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

IIVVENTO? CHARLES A. ALDEN, OF STEELTON, PENNSYLVANIA.

Specification of Letters Patent.

RAILROAD-SWITCH STAND.

Application filed April 29, 1913. Serial No. 764,304.

To all ctv/rom 'it may concern Bc it known that l, CHARLES A. ALDEA', a citizen of the United States, residing at Steelton, in the county of Dauphin and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Railroad-Switch Stands, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to railroad switch stands wherein mechanism is provided to move a switch to eitherI of its two set positions and wherein mechanism is provided to move a signal to either of two set positions to indicate the position of the switch. In switch stands of this character, it has been the practice to provide mechanism toimove the signal at the saine time that the switch is moved, so that if the switch stops short of its complete movement to one of its set positions, the signal will correspondingly stop short of itsl complete movement to one of its set positions, and yet be near enough to it to deceive the persons concerned into the belief that the switch is properly set. This is objectionable, for the reason that, as is well known, many accidents and much damage have resulted from improperly set switches.

The object of my invention is to overcome this objection by providing a switch stand which shall be simple in construction and eilicient in operation and which shall be provided with means whereby, when the .switch stand is operated, the signal shall be moved to a definite position intermediate its two set positions, before the switchis moved from one set position to the other, and whereby, the signal shall thereafter be .moved from the intermediate position to its set position indicating the set position to which the switch was moved, so that in all positionsI of the switch between its two set positions, the signal will occupy the definite intermediate positie-n, indicatii'ig that the switch is in neither` one nor the other of its two set positions.

With this object in view the precise nature of the invention will be hereinafter fully described and particularly claimed.

ln the accompanying drawings, illustrating my invention, Figure l, is a plan of a switch stand, embodying myinvention. Fig. f2, is a vertical section through the switch stand, taken on line Q-Q through the lower portion of the stand and on line 2**-2 through the upper portion of the stand. Fig. 3, is a vertical section, similar to the upper portion of Fig. 2, but showing certain parts in dil'erent positions. Fig. 4, is a horizontal section through the switch stand, on line L t-Lt of Fig. Fig. 5, is a view of the lower portion of a vertically movable sleeve for operating the signal shaft, showing the diverging ribs thereon. Fig. 6, is a view of a portion of the signal shaft and the collar carried thereby showing the diverging grooves in the collar adapted to cooperate with the ribs` on the sleeve shown in Fig. Figs. 7, 8 and 9 are top views of the cooperating sleeve and collar shown in Figs. 5 and 6, respectively, showing the positions thereof when the stand is iu one set position, in the intermediatc position and in the other set position, respectively. Figs. 10, ll and l2, are horizontal sections through the switch and. signal shafts and the lower portion of the sleeve shown in Fig. 5, showing the head on the lower end of the sleeve and the part on the signal shaft with which the head eoperates to hold theI signal shaft in the intermediate position, the parts being shown in the three positions corresponding with the positions of the parts shown in Figs. 7, 8 and 9, rcspectiwly.

Referring to the drawings. 3 designates a vertically-extending hollow frame or casing having horizontal partition walls 5 and 6` and horizontal base portions T adapted to be secured to the cross ties oi a railroad adJacent a switch llxtending centrally through the iframe 3 the vertical switch operating shaft S which mounted to turn in bearings in the walls 5 and t3 and which is provided on its lower end with a crank 9 connected t0 the switch operating rod 1() which is adapted to operate the switch when the shaft 8 is turned in the usual manner. The upper portion of the shaft S has a reduced portion 1l which extends through a central boss 12 formed on a head 13 and the upper end of the shaft e is still further reduced and threaded for the reception of a nut '14 which secures the boss l2 or head 13 to the shaft 8. The portion il of the shaft is made substantially square in cross section and it is fitted to a similarly shaped opening in the boss 12 Patented June 9, 1914i.`

so that the shaft 8 and the head 13 may be locked together to turn as a unit. The head 13 is made hollow and it closes the top of the frame or casing 3, and thc lower portion of the head 13 embraces and is rotatably engaged with the top of the casing 3 which is made concentric with the shaft, thus.

strengthening the parts by giving the shaft 8A and head 13 an additional bearingon the top of the frame 3. Pivoted to one side of the head V13, at 15, is a lever 16, the outer end of which is adapted to be grasped by hand to operate the switch and signal, as will be hereinafter explained. The lever 16 extends through a slot in the side wall of the head v13, and the inner end 17 of the.

lever is bifurcated and embraces the shaft 8 and a sleeve 18 which suriounds the shaft and is slidable vertically thereon. The end 17 of the lever 16 is slotted, at 19, to receive the ends of a pin 2O which extends transversely through the shaft Sand sleeve 18, the pin 20 being carried by the sleeve 18 f and fitted to a vertical slot 21 in the shaft 8,

lowered into the position shown in Fig. 2,

one notch 22 receiving` the lever, after the switch has been moved to one set position, and the other notch 22 receiving the lever after the switch is moved to the other set position, and the notches 22 serving to lock the shaft 8 against rotation and prevent. accidental displacement of the switch from either of its set positions.

The frame 3 is provided below each notch 22 with a loop 23 which extends through an opening in the lever 16 when the same is down, as shown in Fig. 2, and the outer end of the loop 23 is adapted to receive a locking device to lock the lever against being raised.

Arranged laterally adjacent and parallel to the switch operating shaft 8 is the signal operating shaft or target mast 24, the lower portion of which is mounted to turn 55 f shaft 24 extends up through the head 13 and in a bearing in the wall 5 and a bearing through a slot 26 in the top wall of the head, and the shaft 24 extends-some distance above the head 13 and is adapted Yto carry the usual target or signal which is to indicate the position of the switch. The slot 26 permits the switch operating shaft 8 and head 1'3 to be turned a quarter revolution with respect to the signal operating shaft 24 in setting the switch, and the slot 26 is covered by a guard plate 27 which rests upon the head 13. This and actuated by the sleeve 18 hereinbefore referred to. Formed on the lower portion of this sleeve 18 are two upwardly diverging spiral ribs 28 which are adapted to cooperate, one with one and one with the other of two upwardly diverging spiral grooves 29 formed in a collar 30 which is secured to the signal operating shaft, 24, as shown. The ribs 28 andthe grooves 29 are located with respect to each other so that when the lever 16 is down and the sleeve 18 is raised, one of the ribs 28 will be in one of the grooves 29, and that when the lever r16 is raised and the sleeve 18 is down, theribs 28 will be below the grooves 29 and the sleeve 18 will be free to turn independently of the shaft 24;

and the ribs 28 and grooves r29 are formed and related to each other so that when the sleeve 18 is lowered, turned and then raised, the ribs and grooves will cooperate to turn the collar 30 and shaft 24 a quarter revolution, moving the signal from one set position, indicating one set position of the switch to another set position, indicating` the other set position of the switch; that is to say, when the sleeve 18A is lowered, the rib 28 engaged with its groove 29`in the collar 30 will first turn the shaft 24 one-eighth of a revolution and then leave its groove 29 in the position shown in Fig., 8; when the sleeve 18 is then turned one-quarter of a revolution, the upper. end of the other rib 28 will be brought into registry with the bottom of its groove 29 in the collar V30; 4and when the sleeve 18 is then raised, said other. rib will enter its groove 29 and continue the turning of the shaft 24 another one-eighth of a revolution. Thus it will be seen that the lowering of the sleeve 18 will turn the signal operating shaftk 24 from one set position to an intermediate position midway'between its two set positions, indicating the two set positions of the switch; that the turning of tliesleeve 18, when the shaft 24 is turned to move the switch from one to the other of its set positions, will not disturb Vthe signal in its intermediateV position; and

that the raising of the sleeve 18, after the setting of the switch, will continue the turning of the shaft 24 to move the signal to its set position indicating the set position to which the switch was previously moved.

In order to hold the signal operating shaft 24 in the intermediate position while theV sleeve 18 is down and during the turning thereof with the shaft 8 to move the switch from one to the other of its set positions, l provide the following: Secured to or formed on the bottom of the sleeve 18 is a round head 31 having a beveled periphery, as shown, which is adapted to enter a socket 32 in a collar 33 which is secured to the shaft 24, the wall of the socket 32 being beveled to correspond with the head 31. When the sleeve 18 is lowered, the socket 32 is brought into alinement with the head 31, as shown in Fig. 11, and, as the sleeve 18 completes its downward movement, the head 31 enters the socket 32 and engages the wall thereof and holds the collar 33 and shaft 24 in the intermediate position while the sleeve 18 is turned'. During the initial upward movement of the sleeve 18, the head 31 leaves the socket 32, permitting the head 33 and shaft 24k to be turned during the continued upward movement of the sleeve 18. By making the head 31 beveled, it may start to enter the socket 32 before the shaft 24 completes its n'iovement to the intermediate position, thereby preventing the parts from being accidently moved out of working relationship.

The operation of the parts briefly described is as follows: Vhen the parts are in the positions shown in Figs. 1, 2, t, 7 and 10, the switch shaft is held in one of its'two set positions by the lever 16 engaging one of the notches 22, `and the signal shaft 24 is held in one of its two set positions to hold the signal. in position indicating the position of the switch, by one of the ribs 28 engaging the walls of one of the grooves 29. iVhen it is desired to move the switch operating shaft to its other set position, the hand lever 16 is moved from one notch 22 to the other notch 22 by first raising the lever 16 to the position shownin Fig. 3, then moving the lever horizontally from its position above the notch 22 from which it was raised to a position above the other notch 22 and then lowering the lever 16 into said other notch. The raising of the lever 16 lowers the sleeve 18 and turns the signal operating shaft 24; to the intermediate position and moves the head 31 into the socket 32, the horizontal movement of the lever 16 turns the shaft 8 a quarter revolution from one to the other of its set positions, while the head 31, turning in the socket 32 holds the signal operating shaft 24 in the intermediate position, as shown in Figs. 8 and 11, and the lowering of the` lever 16 raises the sleeve 18 and thereby continues the turning of the signal operating shaft 2J( to the set position indicating the set position to which the switch operating shaft was previously moved. This same operation takes place in moving the lever 16 from either' one of the notches 22 to the other in moving the switch from one set position to the other, the parts working in one direction when the lever 16 is moved inone direction to move the switch to one position and the parts working in the reverse direction when the lever 16 is moved in a reverse direction to move the switch to the other position.

I claim:

11,. In a switch stand, the combination of a frame, a switch operating shaft movable to two set positions, a signal operating' shaft movable to two set positions, and means operative to move the signal operating shaft from one of its set positions to an intermediate position and move the switch operating shaft from one to the other of its set positions and thereafter move the signal operating shaft from said intermediate position to the oth er of its set positions.

2. In a switch stand, the combination of a frame, a switch operating shaft movable to two set positions, a signal operating shaft movable to two set positions, an operating arm for said shafts, said arm being movable to two set positions, and means operated by said arm, in moving from one to the other of its set positions, to move the signal operating shaft from one of its set positions to an intermediate position and move the switch operating shaft from one to the other of its setpositions and thereafter move the signal operating shaft from said intermediate position to the other of its set positions.

3. In a switch stand, the combination of a frame, a. switch operating shaft movable to two set positions, a signal operating shaft.

movable to two set positions. an operating` arm for said shafts, said arm being movable to two set positions, and means operated by said arm, in moving from one to the other of its set positions, to move the signal operating shaft from one of its set positions to an intermediate position, and hold the signal operating shaft in said intermediate position and move the switch operating shaft from one to the other of its set positions, and thereafter move the signal operating shaft from said intermediate position to the other of its set positions.

4. lin a-switch stand, the combination of a frame, a switch operating shaft movable to two set positions, a signal operating shaft movable to two set positions, an operating arm for said shafts, said arm heilig movable to two set positions and adapted to be first raised and then moved horimntally and then lowered, in moving from one to the other of its set positions, and means operated by the raising of ."lid arm to move the signal operating shaft from one of its set positions to an intermediate position and operated by the lowering of said arm to move the signal operating shaft` from said intermediate position to the other of its set positions and operated bv the horizontal movement of said arm to move the switch operating shaft from one to the other of its set positions.

In a switch stand, the combination of a frame, a switch operating shaft movable to two set positions, a signal operating shaft movable to twoset positions, an operating arm for said shafts, said arm being movable to two set positions and adapted to be first raised and then moved horizontally and then lowered, in moving` from one to the `other of its set positions, means operated by the raising of said arm to move the signal operating shaft from one of its set positions to an intermediate position and operated by the lowering of said arm to move the signal operating shaft from said intermediate position to the other of its set positions, means operated by the horizontal movement of said arm to move the signal operating shaft from one to the other of its set positions, and means operated by said arm to hold the signal operatingv shaft in said intermediate position during the horizontal movement of said arm.

6. In a switch stand, the combination of a frame, a switchoperating shaft adapted to be turned to two set positions, a signal operating shaft adapted to be turned to two set positions, a sleeve slidable on the switch operating shaft, means operative to turn said sleeve and move it up and down on said shaft, and means operated by both the up and down movements of said sleeve for turning the signal operating shaft in o-ne direction.

7. In a switch stand, the combination of i a frame, a switch operating shaft adapted to beV turned to two set positions, a signal operating shaft adapted to be turned to two set positions, a sleeve slidable on the switch operating shaft and adapted to turn about the axis thereof and having two diverging spiral ribs thereon, means operative to turn said sleeve and move it longitudinally inV two directions, and a part fixed to the signal operating shaft and having two diverging spiral grooves therein, one groove being adapted to receive and coperate with one rib and turn the signal operating shaft when said sleeve is moved in one direction, the other groove being adapted to receive and cooperate with the other rib and turn the signal operating shaft when said sleeve is moved ,in the reverse direction, and said ribs being brought into operative relation with said grooves, respectively, when said sleeve is turned. i

8. In a switch stand, the combination of a frame, a switch operating shaft adapted to be turned to two set positions, a signal operating` shaft adapted to be turned to two set positions, a sleeve slidable on the switch operating shaft and adapted to turn therewith about the axis thereof and having two 'I diverging spiral ribs thereon, vmeans operative to turn the switch operating shaft and, to move said sleeve longitudinally thereonin two directions, and apart fixed to the signal operating shaft andhaving two diverging spiral grooves therein, one groovey being adapted to receive and coperate with one rib and turn the signal operating shaft when said sleeve is moved in one direction, vthe other groove being adapted toreceive and coperate with the other rib and turn 'the signal operating shaft when said sleeve is moved in the reverse direction, and said ribs beingbrought into operativeV relation with Vsaid grooves, respectively, when said sleeve is t-urned.

9. In a' switch stand, the combination of a frame, a switch operatingshaft adapted adapted to receive and cooperate with one.

rib. and turn the signal operating shaft when said sleeve is moved in one direction, the.l

other groove being adapted to receive'and cooperate with the other rib and turn the signal operating shaft-when saidrfsleeve is moved in the reverse direction, and said ribs being brought into operative relation with said grooves, respectively, when said sleeve is turned, and means to'prevent the Y turning of the signal operating shaft during the turning of the switch operating shaft.

10. In a switch stand, the combination of a frame,A a switch operating shaft adapted to be turned to two set positions, a signal operating shaft adapted to be turned to two set positions, a sleeve slidable on the switch operating shaft and adapted to turn therewith about the axis thereof and having two divergingspiral ribs thereon, means operative to turn the switch operating Yshaft and to move said sleeve longitudinally thereon in two directions, a part fixed to the signal operating shaft. and having two diverging spiral grooves therein, one groove being adapted to receive and coperate withV one rib and turn the signal operating shaft when said sleeve is moved in one direction, the other groove being adapted to receive and coperate with the other rib and turn the signal operating shaft when said sleeve is moved in the reverse direction, and said ribs being brought into operative relation with said grooves, respectively, when said sleeve is turned, and means to prevent the turning of the signaloperating shaft duringl the turning of the switch operating shaft, the last named means comprising-a part fixed to the signal operating shaft and having a socket therein and a head carried by said sleeve and movable therewith into and from said socket.

ll. In a switch stand, the combination of a frame, a switch operating shaft adapted to be turned to two set positions, a signal operating shaft laterally adjacent and parallel to the switch operating shaft and adapted to be turned to two set positions, a sleeve slidable on the switch operating shaft and having a spiral rib thereon, means operative to move said sleeve longitudinally on the switch operating shaft, and a part fixed to the signal operating shaft and having a spiral ,groove therein adapted to receive and co operate with said rib and turn the signal operating shaft when said sleeve is moved longitudinally.

19.. In a switch stand, the combination of a frame, a switch operating shaft adapted to be turned to two set positions, a signal operating shaft laterally adjacent and parallel to the switch operating shaft and adapted to be turned to two set positions, a sleeve slidable on the switch operating shaft and adapted to turn about the axis thereof and having a spiral rib thereon, means operative to turn the switch operating shaft and to move said sleeve longitudinally thereon, a part fixed to the signal operating shaft and having a spiral groove therein adapted to receive and cooperate with said rib and turn the signal operating shaft when said sleeve is moved longitudinally, .and means to prevent the turning of the signal operating shaft during the turning of the switch operating shaft.

13. In a switch stand, the combinationof a frame, a switch operating shaft adapted to be turned to two set positions, a signal operating shaft laterally adjacent and parallel lo the switch operating shaft and adapted to be turned to two set positions,a sleeve slidable on the switch operating shaft and adapted to turn about the axis thereof and having a spiral rib thereon, means operative to turn the switch operating `shaft and to move said sleeve longitudinally thereon, a part fixed to the signal operating shaft and having` a spiral groove therein adapted to receive and coperate with said rib and turn the signal operating shaft when said sleeve is moved longitudinally, and means to prevent the turning of the signal operating shaft during the turning ofthe switch operating shaft, the last named means comprising a part fixed to the signal operating shaft and having a socket therein and a head carried by said sleeve and movable therewith into and from said socket.

14. In a switch stand, the combination of a frame, a switch operating shaft adapted to be turned to two set positions, a signal operating shaft laterally adjacent and parallel to .the switch operating shaft and adapted to be turned to two set positions, a

head fixed to the switch operating shaft, an arm pivoted to said head and movable to two set positions. a sleeve slidable longitudinally on the switch operating shaft and connected to said arm, said arm being adapted to turn said head and the switch operating shaft and to more said sleeve longitudinally when moved from one to the other of its set positions, and means operated by the longitudinal movement of said sleeve to turn the signal operating shaft.

15. In a switch stand, the combination of a frame, a switch operating shaft adapted to be turned to two set positions, a signal operating sha ft laterally adjacent and parallel to the switch operating shaft and adapted to be turned lo two set positions, a head fixed to the switch operating shaft, an arm pivoted to said head and movable to two set positions, a sleeve slidable longitudinally on the switch operating shaft and connected to said arin, said arm being adapted to turn said head and the switch operating shaft and to move said sleeve longitudinally when moved from one tothe other of its set positions,means operated by the longitudinal movement of said sleeve to turn the signal operating shaft, and means to prevent the turning of the signal operating shaft during the turning of the switch operating shaft.

16. In a switch stand, the coinbinationof a frame, a switch operating shaft adapted to be turned to two set positions, a signal operating shaft adapted to be turned to two set positions, a head fixed to the switch operating shaft, an arm pivoted to said head and movable to two set positions, `a sleeve slidable longitudinally on the switch operating shaft and connected to said arm, said arm being adapted to turn said head and thc switch operating shaft and to move said sleeve up and down in moving from one to the other of its set positions, and means operated by both up and down movements of said sleeve to turn the signal operating shaft in one direction.

17. In a switch stand, the combination of a frame, a switch operating shaft adapted to be turned to two set positions, a signal operating shaft adapted to be turned to two set positions, a head fixed to the switch operating shaft, an arm pivoted to said head and movable to two set positions, a sleeve slidable longitudinally on the switch operating shaft and connected to said arm, said arm being adapted to turn said head and the switch operating shaft and to move said sleeve up and down in moving from one `to the other of its set positions, and means op erated by both up and down movements of said sleeve to turn the signal operating shaft in one direction, and means toprevent the turning of the signal operating shaft during the turning of the switch operating shaft.

18. In a switch stand, the combination of a frame, a switch operating shaft .adapted to' be turned to two set positions, a signal oper-y and lmeans to prevent the turning of the signal operating shaft during the turning of the switch operating shaft, the last named means comprising a part fixed to the signal operating shaft and having a socket therein and a head carried by said sleeve and movable therewith into and from said socket.

19. In a switch stand, the combination of va frame, a switch operating shaft adapted to be turned to two set positions, a signal operating shaft adapted to be turned to two set positions, a sleeve slidable longitudinally on the switch operating shaft, an arm pivoted to said head and movable to two set positions and having a bifurcated end embracing said sleeve, a pin extending through a slot in the switch operating shaft and into slots in the bifurcated end of said arm, said arm being adapted toV turn said head and the switch operating shaft and to move said sleeve longitudinally when moved from one to the other of its set positions, and

Vmeans operated by the longitudinal movement of said sleeve to turn the lsignal operating shaft.

20. In a switch stand, the combination of a frame, a switch operating shaft adapted to be turned to two set positions, a signal operating shaft adapted to be turned to two set positions, means operative to move the switch operating shaft from one to the other of its setpositions and to move the signal operating shaft from one of its set positions to an intermediate position and from the intermediate position to its other set position, and means to hold the signal operating shaft in said intermediate position while the switch operating shaft is being moved.

21. In a switch stand, the combination of a frame, a switch operating shaft adapted to be turned to two set positions, a signal operating-shaft adapted to be turned to two set positions, means operative to move the switch operating shaft from l.one to the other of its set positions and to lmove the signal operating shaft from one of its set posi'- tions to an intermediate position and from the intermediate position: to its other set position, .means to hold the signal operating shaft in said intermediate position'while the switch operating shaft is being moved,

the last named means comprising a Vpart fixed to the signal operating shaft and having a socket therein and a head movable into and from said socket and prevented-from turning about the axis of the signal operating shaft. y

22.V In a switch stand, the combination of a frame, a switch operating shaft mounted to turn in said frame to two set positions, a signal operating shaft laterally adjacent and parallel tov the switch shaft and mounted to turn in said frame to two set positions, a head fixed to the switch operating shaft, and means opera` Y tive to turn said head and the switch operating shaft from one to the other of its set positions and to turn the signal operating shaft from one to the other of its setpositions, said signal operating shaft through a slot in said head.

23. In a switch stand,.the combination of a frame, a switch operating-shaft mounted. to turn in said frame to two set positions, a signal ope-rating shaft laterally adjacent and parallel to the switch operating shaft extending operating j reo and mounted to turn in said frame to two set positions, a head fixed to the switch operating shaft, means operative to turn said head and the switch operating shaft 4from one tothe other of its set positions and to turn the signal operating shaft from one to the other of its set positions, saidV signal operating shaft extending through a slot in said head, and a guard plate covering `said slot and connected shaft.

24. In a switch stand, the combinationof a frame, a switch operating shaft mounted to turn in said yframe to two set positions,

Vvloo to the signal operating f.

a signal operatinglshaft laterally adjacent and parallel to the switchjoperating shaft and mounted to turn infsaid frame to two set positions, a head xed to theV switch operating shaft, means operative to turn said head andthe switch operating shaft from one to the other of its set positions and Yto turn the signal operating shaft from one to the other of its set positions, said signal operating shaft 'extending through a slot in said head, and a guard plate covering said operating shaft, and mea-ns operative to In testimony whereof I affix my signature trfl sfaid head ancl thehswtfch operating in presence oi" two Witnesses.

s at rom one tot e ot er o. its set osi w A tions and to turn the Signal operating haft l LHARLES A' LDEB from one to the other of its set positions, Witnesses:

saidsgnafl operating shaft extending through Lm: Kmuu Bumm,

a slot in said head. .EDWIN Llaman.

Copies of this patentmay be obtained for ve cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C. 

